St. Dominic's Fair: Europe's Oldest Summer Market Returns to Gdańsk
Running July 25–August 16, 2026, St. Dominic's Fair (Jarmark św. Dominika) is one of Europe's largest open-air markets, drawing 5–8 million visitors annually to Gdańsk's historic center with crafts, food, live music, and free entry.
Founded in 1260 when Pope Alexander IV granted the Dominican Order permission to hold an annual fair, St. Dominic's Fair has become one of the largest and most recognizable outdoor cultural events in Europe. This year's 766th edition runs for three weeks, transforming Gdańsk's Main Town and riverside areas along the Motława River into a bustling marketplace.
What to Find and Do
- Local crafts and goods: Handmade ceramics, woodcarvings, embroidery, jewelry, and regional products
- Regional cuisine: Kashubian ruchanki (pastries), crayfish soup, garlic products, and traditional Polish sweets
- Live entertainment: Open-air concerts, street theatre, circus performers, and exhibitions throughout the day
- Shopping and amber: Antiques, souvenirs, and the famous Baltic amber that reflects the city's maritime heritage
- Family activities: Workshops, demonstrations, and interactive attractions
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–20:00; food vendors stay open until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free. The fair is centrally located within walking distance of Gdańsk's main railway station and is easily accessible by tram and bus, making it simple to combine with exploring the historic waterfront.
For expat families and international residents in northern Poland, this is an ideal cultural outing. You'll encounter multilingual vendors, international visitors from around the globe, and a chance to sample authentic regional food and craftsmanship that represents Pomeranian heritage. Many foreigners use the fair as a day trip from Warsaw or Kraków; direct trains connect all three cities.
Sources
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